Degree Options

What degree programs do you offer?

Designed for students interested in a short-term research experience, leading to the preparation and defense of a research-based thesis. The program emphasizes education through high-quality research for students interested in careers in industry and the public sector.
Earning an MS degree requires a total of 30 semester hours of course work which includes six thesis hours.

Designed for early to mid-career professionals who want to expand on their BS education, focusing on acquiring new skills for your professional growth.
Four tracks are available in the Professional MS degree:
- Air Quality, Energy, and Climate
- General Environmental Engineering
- Global Environmental Engineering
- Water Reuse
Requirements for the Professional Master of Science are thirty semester hours of graduate-level courses. The courses for this degree can be taken either in person or remotely.

Environmental engineering PhD students at CU Boulder take part in cutting-edge, innovative research, as well as an intensive course of study. You will focus heavily on research and partake in graduate courses as well as graduate seminars to prepare your dissertation.
The PhD requires 30 semester hours of coursework plus 30 hours of thesis credit. You will also be required to successfully complete a preliminary exam, a comprehensive exam and a final dissertation defense.